Sibley Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can swiftly disrupt lives. In such trying periods, personal injury lawyers are essential allies. They specialize in representing those harmed by negligence, ensuring they receive fair compensation. This article examines the vital role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

Bicycle Accidents in Iowa: How to Avoid Them and What to Do When It Happens to You

In Iowa, bicyclist safety is a significant concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were five pedalcyclist fatalities in Iowa in 2011. Polk County had the most bicycle-car accidents in Iowa from 2009 to 2014. The goal is to reduce the number of bicyclist accidents in the state to zero. If you’re a bicyclist, here are some of the most common types of bicycle accidents and what you can do to prevent them from happening:

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

1. A Right Hook Accident
    A right hook accident occurs when a car making a right-hand turn cuts into the path of a cyclist. These accidents can happen at intersections or when a car is pulling out of a driveway or parking lot. Drivers sometimes fail to use their turn signals, making it challenging for cyclists to anticipate their moves.

    Prevention Tips:
    - When stopped at a red light or stop sign, position yourself slightly in front of vehicles in the right-hand lane.
    - Never pass a vehicle on the right; always pass on the left.

2. A "Dooring" Accident
    A "dooring" accident happens when a cyclist is riding between lanes of traffic and parked cars, and a car door suddenly opens in their path. This can cause the cyclist to swerve into traffic or collide with the door.

    Prevention Tips:
    - If available, use a bike lane separate from the road.
    - Stay alert for parked cars and slow down when approaching them.

3. A Vehicle Turning Left
    At intersections, left-turning vehicles must usually yield to oncoming traffic. However, cyclists can be harder to see than cars, especially in poor lighting conditions, leading to accidents.

    Prevention Tips:
    - Ensure your bike has lights, and wear bright clothing to improve visibility.
    - Try to make eye contact with drivers before proceeding through an intersection.
    - Avoid riding on the sidewalk as motorists don't typically check sidewalks for fast-moving vehicles.

4. Failure to Yield
    Cyclists can misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming cars, leading to accidents at intersections.

    Prevention Tips:
    - Exercise caution when proceeding into an intersection, even if you have the right of way.
    - Double-check to ensure other drivers see you before entering an intersection.

Options for Compensation After a Bicycle Accident Hit and Run

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. In 2015, over 800 pedalcyclists died in accidents nationwide. Irresponsible drivers, often under the influence or without a license, may flee the scene out of fear of reprisal, making it difficult for cyclists to recover financial damages.

Finding the Driver Responsible

If you were hurt by a hit-and-run driver, don’t lose hope. Sometimes drivers return to turn themselves in, or law enforcement may identify the driver using traffic or surveillance camera footage and eyewitness testimonies.

Steps to Take:
- Request local news coverage to help find the driver.
- Once identified, the driver will face criminal charges, and you can file a claim with their insurer or sue them directly.

Obtaining Compensation

If the driver flees, your damages may be covered under your auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which applies in these instances:

- The driver doesn’t have insurance.
- The driver lacks enough insurance to cover your damages.
- The driver flees the scene.

UM/UIM coverage usually extends to traffic accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists. It’s an optional coverage in Iowa, so check your policy to see if you carry it.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Over 46 million people ride bicycles each year in America for various reasons, including sport, fitness, fun, and commuting. While cycling has many benefits, it can also be dangerous, especially for new cyclists.

Road Safety Tips

1. Learn the Rules of the Road:
    Each city and state may have distinct traffic laws for cyclists. Acquaint yourself with these laws.

2. Practice in Safe Areas:
    Before riding in traffic, practice in areas without cars to learn bike maneuvering skills.

3. Take a Safety Course:
    Consider a bicycle safety course

4. Ride with Traffic:
    Always ride with traffic, not against it.

5. Stay to the Right:
    Stay as far to the right as practicable if no bike path is available. Avoid riding on sidewalks.

6. Wear a Helmet:
    Always wear a helmet for every trip.

7. Stay Visible:
    Wear reflective clothing and use lights at night. Bright clothing during the day improves visibility.

8. Avoid Earbuds:
    Don’t wear earbuds so you can hear traffic sounds.

9. Stay Alert:
    Pay attention to what cars around you are doing and try to make eye contact with drivers.

10. Avoid Blind Spots:
    Do not ride in drivers’ blind spots.

11. Keep Safe Distance:
    Leave room between yourself and parked cars to avoid being doored.

12. Don’t Speed:
    Leave ample time to react by not speeding.

13. Check Your Bike:
    Ensure your bike is in good repair before riding.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.